Tillich Architektur adds folded concrete facade to textile company headquarters
For the new premises of German textile-printing company Textilmacher, Munich firm Tillich Architektur has completed a building with a concrete facade reminiscent of creased fabric (+ slideshow).
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
Located in an industrial area north of Munich's city centre, the three-storey building provides a new production centre and showroom for Textilmacher, which specialises in printed fabrics and embroidery.
Tillich Architektur's design concept was to enclose a simple and uncluttered interior behind a faceted external envelope that catches the light differently depending on the hour and the weather conditions.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
"Its iconic feature is the geometrically folded facade, which deforms the simple cubature by an animated play of light and shadow," said the architect team.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
"Depending on the season, time of day, weather, and light incidence, the facade continuously changes its character," they added.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
Concrete pigmented with anthracite gives the facade its dark grey colouration. Each folded panel comprises a single insulated module, all of which were prefabricated in a factory before being brought to site, enabling a short build time.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"The mounting sequences were carefully planned, allowing the elements to be fitted one in another like a puzzle," said the team, explaining how four different modules were used to create the patterned surface.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
Dark grey doors complement the pigmented concrete, and windows are slightly recessed so that their frames are barely visible from outside.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
The predominant colour inside the building is white, creating a minimal backdrop to the internal activities. The company uses the two lower levels as a production centre, while the uppermost floor accommodates the offices and showroom.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
Polished concrete flooring runs throughout the interior and built-in furniture is made from steel. The only addition of colour comes from the larch window frames.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
"The column-free rooms provide a high grade of flexibility and a constant adaption to changing processes in work," added the designers.
A basement floor offers space for storage and technical services.
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
Photography is by Michael Compensis.
Project credits:
Client: Die Textilmacher GmbH
Architects: tillicharchitektur – Kurt Tillich
Structural engineer: Hemmerlein Ingenieurbau GmbH
Heating, ventilating, plumbing: IB Schön
Energy consultant: Heinze Enegieberatung
Electrical engineer: Elektro Emmer GmbH
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_0.gif)
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_1.gif)
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_2.gif)
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_3.gif)
![Textilmacher Project by tillicharchitektur](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Textilmacher_Project_by_Tillicharchitektur_dezeen_4.gif)